Wales in injury woe as James Hook and Dan Lydiate face World Cup KO

Welsh coach
Warren Gatland could be without
James Hook and Dan Lydiate for the remainder of the 2011 Rugby World Cup group stages.

Both players suffered injuries in Wales’ tense 17-10 victory over Samoa at the Waikato Stadium on Sunday.

James Hook is facing a race against time to be fit for the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals (PA)

Hook injured his shoulder while Lydiate picked up an ankle knock, raising fears that they will both be forced to sit out the side’s remaining pool games against Fiji and Namibia.

Wales assistant coach Shaun Edwards said Hook will be out for around two to three weeks.

‘Dan is still in a moon boot, but they put moon boots on everything these days. James is a bit easier to read because he’s done his AC joint,’ he added.

The Welsh squad has been ravaged by injury in the run up to the tournament, with captain Matthew Rees and Steven Jones both missing out on the trip.

Morgan Stoddart, who was expected to fill the number 15 shirt for the Welsh side, picked up a broken leg in a pre-tournament warm-up game against England at Twickenham, which was closely followed by Gavin Henson breaking his arm in the return fixture a week later.

However, the Welsh camp has received a boost in recent days as Ryan Jones is expected to be fit for the game against Namibia in New Plymouth.